Hands-on Handmade Activity Area at Handmade ArcadeBridging the gap between consumers and creators

A core component of Handmade Arcade’s annual event is the popular Hands-on Handmade Activity Area (HOHA), which serves more than 4,000 participants annually and showcases a variety of community-based arts, cultural, educational and tech organizations as well as individual artists and art collectives. Situated within the bustling marketplace, HOHA provides a free “craft lab” environment offering a wide variety of innovative art, craft, tech and learning activities — from yarn bombing and creative reuse, to geocaching and leatherworking. Thoughtfully designed to be accessible, welcoming and inclusive to all ages, skill levels and backgrounds, HOHA formats include drop-in tutorials and workshops, public art projects, demonstrations, games, large-scale installations and more.

Applications to participate in 2019’s Hands-on Handmade Activity Area are now open. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

Community Outreach

Throughout the year, Handmade Arcade actively develops relationships with a wide range of arts, cultural and community organizations, individual artists and makers, small businesses, art collectives, maker spaces, schools and more. By implementing projects and activities that support collaboration and participating in events around the city and region, Handmade Arcade actively engages with the community while encouraging the public of all ages to consider the role of art, creativity and making in their own lives.